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This unmistakable pin-like lichen is among one of the most unusual and charming species to be found in upland areas with damp siliceous rock. On the upper surfaces of low, intermittently flushed rock outcrops, the scaly-granular, grey-white thallus can become covered in minute, stick-like structures (pseudopodetia carrying the terminal discs) with a stalk reminiscent of a much shrunken Cladonia podetium or thin toadstool. Hard brown nodules may also be present: these are cephalodia which contain Stigonema alga. The thallus when dry is K + yellow. It is widely scattered in upland areas throughout Ireland.

Key characteristics

Grey-white thallus K+ yellow with discs at the tip of tiny, stick-like stalks